S.J.'s Olsen to head GOP Assembly

SACRAMENTO - The woman who represents southern San Joaquin County will be the next Assembly Republican leader.

The Associated Press

SACRAMENTO - The woman who represents southern San Joaquin County will be the next Assembly Republican leader.

The Assembly GOP caucus on Tuesday chose Kristin Olsen to replace Connie Conway of Tulare after the November election, when Conway's term ends.

The 40-year-old Olsen is vice chairwoman of the Assembly education and agriculture committees.

She was first elected in 2010 after serving on the Modesto City Council from 2005 to 2009.

Republicans are fighting to overturn the Democratic supermajority in the Assembly, which has left the GOP with limited influence.

Olsen's rise comes as three of four legislative leaders are replaced. San Diego Democrat Toni Atkins became Assembly speaker in May, while Los Angeles Democrat Kevin De Leon will lead the Senate starting in October.